The Otheroom Is a Metropolitan Sensation

For the uninitiated, Venice Beach, California, can be easily mistaken for a grungy hippie commune. Let’s not blame the squares for this misconception, though—they probably missed the canals and just about everything else off the boardwalk that makes this beach town so, um, super rad. That description is especially true for the city’s Abbot Kinney Boulevard, thanks to its resident artists and surfers perusing the road’s niche boutiques and flavorful restaurants. But nowhere is the GQ magazine–designated “coolest block in America” best encapsulated than in its bar scene—and The Otheroom is its pinnacle.

Photography by Joey Olvera

Boasting dim lighting, Shazam-worthy tunes and an ambiance suited for a low-key celeb set, Otheroom debuted its hip, understated touch in Las Vegas during a grand opening weekend from July 13 to 16. Located in The Forum Shops at Caesars adjacent to Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Snow Crab, the 3,200-square-foot lounge and patio is a long way from its original 300-square-foot outpost in the SoHo neighborhood of New York City, which opened nearly 30 years ago. NYC locations in the West Village and Tribeca followed, with the Venice space arriving more than a decade ago.

On deck at the Strip location is Otheroom’s notable wine list (featuring a Bordeaux Grand Cru by the glass) and a strong selection of spirits, including its Japanese whisky experience—Hibiki and Ichiro’s, to name a few—and Macallan, owner Meddy Sahebi’s go-to. Though the NYC and L.A. bars heavily focus on wine and craft beers, this location also emphasizes a cocktail menu. A good starting point is the Deer In Headlights: Glenfiddich 15, Benedictine, lemon, lavender honey and the cocktail-elusive Lustau PX Sherry. There’s even alcohol–infused soft serve.

The Otheroom’s Grow a Pear cocktail, made with Akashi white oak Japanese whisky, Avua Amburana cachaça, St. George Spiced Pear liqueur and Carpano Antica vermouth.

According to Sahebi, Las Vegas’ Otheroom is the first place in the nation to have a Frostbite machine, which makes the boozy frozen treats that are primed to give the frosé trend a run for its money. “We are going for the wow factor,” Sahebi says. Expect it to be a novelty for the tourists who are likely to find their way to the Strip-side patio.

Inside, Otheroom boasts industrial finishes and a rotating collection of for-sale art (works by Las Vegas-based Sam Hon are up first), making the atmosphere ideal for the pre-dinner and club crowd, as well as those looking for a late-night hangout. And with bar bites (including an off-menu item or two), free valet parking at The Forum Shops’ south entrance and not a TV in sight, the vibe is right.

Gorillaz are coming to Las Vegas for the first time ever. 2016’s Grammy winner for best new artist, Chance the Rapper, will return. English rockers Muse will bring their dizzying live show to the streets of Downtown. And that’s just the top of an eclectic bill that features more than 70 acts, along with comedy, interactive art installations, a group art exhibit featuring the work of Mark Ryden, Tara McPherson and Shepard Fairey and much more. Last year saw more than 137,000 attendees trod the festival footprint. Who’s ready for more?